This document discusses outsourcing, globalization, and information and communication technologies (ICT). It provides definitions of outsourcing and how companies can use ICT to outsource work. The advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing are listed. Benefits of globalizing ICT are discussed along with some social impacts. Mobile computing, telecommuting, and their potential impacts on work roles are examined. Hardware needed for a mobile office is listed. Examples of jobs that could utilize mobile technologies are given.

1. Outsourcing, Globalisation and ICT
Please complete the following questions and save your answers in your E-Portfolio
Web ref:
http://www.unece.org/press/pr2004/04ireedd_p08e.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outsourcing
http://www.zdnet.com.au/video/soa/Optus-CIO-talks-
outsourcing/0,2000065477,22460026p,00.htm
1. Define the term outsourcing
Outsourcing is where companies pay other companies for goods and
service generally to reduce cost. For example a company may
manufacture computer screens but to reduce costs they pay another
company for glass for the screen rather than producing it themselves.
The companies don’t have to just outsource from other countries they
can also out source from other companies within their own country.
2. Explain how ICT can be used by companies how want to outsource
work
ICT can be used by companies to find better deals for products and
services. They can also use ICT to have better communication with the
companies they are out sourcing with so that less time is spend
negating and more time working which save money for the
company. ICT can also be used for call help centers in which the
phone call is made over the internet which is a lot cheaper than
using a land line which leads more call centers overseas.
3. List the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing
Advantages:
• Cheaper running cost for the company
• Better services
• Consternate on the company’s main products and services which can improve
them.
• Can increase productivity

2. Disadvantages:
• Losses of jobs in the country because outsourcing products are from other
countries.
• The product does not meet the company’s standards.
• There can be a lack of communication between companies which leads to a
range of issues.
• There can be a loss of jobs within the company.
http://www.acs.org.au/president/1997/outsrc/paper.htm
1. list four benefits of globalisation of ICT
• Costs are reduced
• The business can focus on the core purpose
• Access to more specialised skills for unusual situations
• Greater access to technology.
2. what are some social impacts of globalization of ICT
• Loss of availability of local jobs,
• Greater access to knowledge and people from around the world
• Unsatisfactory completion of tasks completed from those who have
been outsourced
• Less people that are locally available to the company because they
have moved overseas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_computing
http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Mobile_Computing
http://mobileoffice.about.com/
Page 20, 247-249 Discovering Computers 2008
1. Discuss how mobile computing and telecommuting could impact
work roles in the future
There are a number of positive and negative impacts that mobile computing
and telecommuting have on work roles. With mobile phones and emails
meetings can be planned in advanced and this can lead to a lot more
productivity in the meetings as it is all ready planned what needs to be said.
It is also good in being able to contact people in an emergency such as in

3. nursing if a massive disaster occurs extra nurses can be called in to help
treat patients. However being connected to the work place 24/7 is not
completely good. It means that people can not escape the workplace and
that even when they are on holiday they would not be able to get away from
work. There is also the issue of losing information through either the
misunderstanding of information due to the lack of tone that is able to be
conveyed thought text and email as well as lost files due to the incorrect
saving procedures. There is also the issue of lost information form hacking,
spyware, virus and other programs which can steel private information sent
across the internet.
2. List the hardware you would need if you wanted to ‘telecommute’
and set up a mobile office – explain how each device works.
Depending on your needs would depending on what device you require. If
you need to take a lot of photographs then a digital camera would be needed
as it would produce much higher quality images then a mobile phone camera
would do.
A mobile phone is a must for any mobile office. A smart phone allows you to
much more then normal phones including loading PowerPoint presentations
to the phone then via blue-tooth connect to a projector and show clients the
information. PDA’s allow a lot more information to be recorded. With a
special pen you can write and you can also connect a mini keyboard to the
phone to enter data. Depending on your needs you would also need a phone
that can do video calls for things such as meetings. Most new phones have
this function but some don’t and so this is an issue that needs to be
considered when purchasing the phone.
A lap top is also needed so that larger amounts of data can be sent and
created and stored.
3. Provide a description of at least three jobs that could use mobile
computing technologies for example – How the RAC manages
mobile mechanics via ICT
A researcher can record data out away from the office. This data can then be sent
straight to the office as well as saved on the device most likely a laptop.
A Journalist can write a news story then instantly publish it to the web site or send it to
the editor to be published immediately.
A Policeperson has to be able to access information from outside the office to ensure
they can attend problems quickly and have up to date information on people